WKU honors veterans with wreath-laying ceremony

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Across the nation, veterans are being honored and recognized. At Western Kentucky University, the community gathered Monday for a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at Guthrie Bell Tower.

The university began the ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by the ROTC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Diddle Arena’s Stansbury Concourse.

“We pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving our nation in the United States Armed Forces. Those who have sacrificed so much and those who continue to sacrifice for all of us and for our country,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said.

Caboni recognized WKU ROTC cadets for their service and thanked the families and friends of veterans and current military members for the support they have provided and sacrifices they have made.

“This day provides us with an important opportunity to reflect on the costs and the blessings of liberty. To remember that in the face of difficulty; in the face of danger; and in the face of sometimes the unknown, our servicemen and women stand firm to protect our freedom,” he said. “They stand tall to preserve our freedom. They stand for freedom. They put everything on the line and sometimes pay the ultimate price.”

The 2024 ROTC Hall of Fame inductees are Col. Taylor Chasteen, a 1981 WKU graduate, and Capt. Ralph Shrewsbury, a 1942 WKU graduate.

Congratulations to both on this incredible achievement.